I have a 07 TL Type S and wanted to know if they typically have cadillic converter problems?

Once in a while when I step on the gas(to the floor) I'll get a not so nice smell, but not necessarily egg type smell that one of my friends said might suggest it's a converter issue.


Any ideas other than converter as to what might be causing a smell?

Thanks!

 

No, converters going bad is not a common problem, however it can happen. I would be more interested to hear what brand and grade of fuel you use. If you don't already try switching to a top tier gasoline and always use premium in the TL. Start with that if you don't already.
Converter warranties typically last a while so if your mileage isn't very high and your converters are bad, it could be covered since it is an emission item.

 

If you have a stock exhaust and have no exhaust leak, then it's probably not the catalytic converter. Does it sound weird? Also, it seems that if you're "stepping on the gas", the wind would blow any smells away unless it's blowing in the opposite direction faster than you're driving. The exception to this would be if the exhaust leak is near the engine. Check your precats for leaks.

 

Welcome to the forums.

I merged your thread from the main forum with this thread, and cleaned up some of the unnecessary comments.

I also deleted the two posts you made in the RL Forum since that thread is just for signing in.

Please make a new thread there with the information that was deleted.

 

A cadillac converter you say?



It's called "catalytic" . I have the same problem. I think it's from a loose connection between the pre-cats and the block, or the pre-cats and the j-pipe. I've tightened them up but I still get it now and again when I have the outside air on. I'm guessing it's probably the gaskets.

 

New Jpipe= problem solved.

 

if it smells inside, there is a problem
if it smells after you stop and go around the car, it's normal
you "cadillac" converter simply is not designed to catch up with your racing habits, hence the sulfur smell when you push it too hard

 

Haha I knew someone would say something about that.

 

I have the same problem with my 05 TL. Whenever Im pushing 6k RPMs I smell a sulfer smell as well and so far my motor head friends and even the Acura dealership cant figure it out. Not to sure what it could either. I havent read through the whole forum but let me know if you figure it out for sure. It would be a huge help.

Thanks

 

The new jpipe is what caused my problem. Well, not the pipe itself but the gaskets. Or my crappy torquing job . I'll get under there and fix it soon. It's not making any noise and it's very seldom when I smell anything. It might have as much to do with the "ultimate cooling mod" since I now get all the air from the engine compartment whenever I have the outside air on. It might also be from my crankcase ventilation mod. It's not frequent enough to bother with nor is it much of an inconvenience. But if the OP is getting it frequently then I'd probably look into it.

 

Wow, just signed back in and am very happy with all of your help...I knew I mispelled catalytic, just knew that everyone would know that I'm talking about...gave me a very good laugh though with your responses.
When I bought the TL they had actually put in a brand new catalytic converter (and this was only just over a year ago) because the previous owner had put an aftermarket one on there and they had to put it back to stock to make it Acura Certified. I believe it could very well be the sulfur smell that others are mentioning so it sounds like all is ok and I'm glad to hear that!

Thanks for all the replies and help and I look forward to talking with everyone more on the forums!

 

If the information I just posted adds any insight please let me know. I do smell the sulfur type smell in the car when I push it hard however as the one person mentioned that might be a problem.

 

Ok will do, I thought I was in the right section for the RL information I had mentioned, but will try to find it. If I make another mistake maybe you can point me in the right direction? Thanks again!

 

Also to reply to the first reply, I have always used the best fuel, I try to always stick with Shell or Exxon or one of the best ones, not the offbrands places, and to boot the Converter was just replaced about 13-15 months ago right before I bought the car by Acura.

 

if you are heavy on the throttle when the cats are cold, then it will smell. best to keep out of the throttle until the car heats up. cats are not effecient when they are cold...

 

I know that...this could be at any time when I push it...it does not seem to be getting any worse though I can say that. Just has been this way for a few months now and hasn't really changed.

 

NOx emissions are increased from higher pressure/hotter combustion temps when you're at full throttle along with more hydrocarbon emissions from the slightly richer AFR.

If you smell it in the car while driving you have an exhaust leak. Every car has this smell when you go full throttle but its usually exiting the tailpipe so you never notice it.

I used to pay special attention to the smell of cars I might line up against later in the night. That excessive rotten egg smell was usually a tell tale sign of nitrous even when used in short bursts. Even the guys running the medical grade stuff without the sulfur would would have a more pronounced smell. After a few years of racing you learn the difference between cats, no cats, nitrous, and even the usually excessively rich-transitioning-into-near-stoich turbo cars from the smell.